The Chicago Cubs are in the midst of a season high-tying three-game losing streak after starting the week by getting swept by the Cardinals home at Wrigley. They head out on an 11-game road trip beginning Thursday with a stop at Marlins Park. Miami is winners of six of its last nine and shut out the Braves in an afternoon game Wednesday.

About the Chicago Cubs (47-23)

Jon Lester (9-3, 2.06 ERA) will toe the slab for the Cubs. He’s 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA in three starts against the Marlins and was reached for six runs over five innings in a loss last season. Martin Prado is 6-for-10 career off him with three doubles and two RBIs. The left-hander has won each of his last five games though, posting quality starts and striking out at least seven in each outing. He managed to work around some trouble against Pittsburgh his last time out, as he allowed 11 baserunners over six innings but limited the damage to just three runs.

Because Lester is on the mound we’ll see his personal catcher, David Ross behind the plate.

About the Miami Marlins (38-34)

The Fish hand the ball to Wei-Yin Chen (4-2, 5.22 ERA) who hasn’t personally lost since May 17 despite surrendering plenty of runs. He’s allowed 15 earned runs in his last three starts alone and was bailed on by the offense big time his last time out. Chen gave up six runs on seven hits in just 2 1/3 innings against the Rockies, but the Cubs won the game 9-6.

On a positive note, the 30-year-old from Taiwan did keep the ball in the park for once after allowing seven homers over his previous two starts. Not many Cubs have faced Chen as he had spent his entire career in the American League before this season and he’ll make his first career start against Chicago.

Trends

Cubs are 6-1 in their last 7 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Cubs are 11-2 in their last 13 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
Cubs are 56-21 in their last 77 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Cubs are 5-1 in Lesters last 6 road starts.

Marlins are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Marlins are 7-2 in their last 9 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
Marlins are 5-0 in Chens last 5 home starts.